Vaginal spotting is light bleeding from the vagina that occurs between menstrual cycles. The spots can be a sign of a variety of conditions, but they are often quite harmless. Health experts often advise women experiencing spotting to visit a gynecologist or health care professional to rule out any potentially serious causes.
Spotting, unlike regular menstrual bleeding, is often very light and may only consist of a few drops of blood. The blood may look different from menstrual blood or be mixed with vaginal discharge. Dark brown or pale pink bloodstains are common when spotting is seen. Spotting can be the result of an injury to the vagina, an underlying health condition, or a natural or medically induced hormonal change.
There are many different causes of vaginal spotting. Even a normal hormonal change, such as the one that occurs during ovulation, can occasionally cause minor bleeding. Some women who use oral contraceptives or hormone-enhanced intrauterine devices (IUDs) may experience vaginal spotting. Women going through menopause, those under high levels of stress, or women with irregularly low thyroid levels are subject to sudden and unusual hormonal changes that can also cause minor bleeding.
Vaginal spots can also be a sign of an internal infection. Bladder or cervical infections are not uncommon causes of the symptom. Other signs of infection, such as frequent or urgent urination, itching, or unusual vaginal discharge, can help identify the cause of an infection. In most cases, infections that cause blemishes can be quickly remedied with antibiotics, which is why experts recommend immediate medical attention.
Many women in the first few days of pregnancy experience a type of vaginal spotting known as implantation bleeding. This occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself in the uterine wall, which can cause slight bleeding as the egg attaches. Implantation bleeding does not occur in all pregnant women, but it may be the first sign of pregnancy in some. Bleeding later in the pregnancy can also occur; Although it can have a variety of causes, health experts recommend contacting a doctor immediately if spotting or bleeding occurs during pregnancy, as it can be a sign of serious health problems.
Sometimes vaginal bleeding can be caused by more serious health problems, such as endometriosis, sexually transmitted diseases, or even cervical or uterine cancer. While many cases of spotting are caused by minor issues that can be easily fixed, there is a chance of more serious causes. Visiting a medical professional for a pelvic exam and additional tests can help determine the real cause of vaginal spotting, even if the cause is just an irregular hormonal pattern.